intransitive verb
1. : to place (as in a race or competition) among those finishing
came in second in the golf tournament
2. : to accrue or come as gain or revenue
we can afford it as long as the money keeps on coming in so freely
3.
a. : to become of use
gunpowder first came in in China
b. : to fit in : enter into or assume its place or course
this comes in pat
: take a part or perform a usually useful service
old newspapers … come in handy for lighting the fire — Victoria Sackville-West
c. : to make reply to a signal or call : come on to a communication channel : return , reply — used especially by communications units
come in, San Francisco
4. : to be the recipient — used with for
the chancellor's policy has come in for increasing criticism — Douglas Stuart
5.
a. : to take or perform one's part or function (as in a joint activity)
that's where you come in
b. : to assume official duties or station
if the Republicans come in next fall
: take possession or command
when his heirs came in they found the estate gutted
6. : to attain maturity, fruitfulness, or production:
a. of a crop : to mature and produce a harvest ; also of a seasonal food : to be in season
b. of a female mammal
(1) : to bring forth young : calve — used especially of dairy cattle
(2) : to be in heat
c. of an oil well : to begin to yield oil